09.14.17
The Haas Group, the Austrian world market leader of wafer, biscuits and confectionery production systems, is now part of the Bühler Group. The related acquisition contract was signed in Vienna last week.
Whereas this strategic acquisition enables Bühler to complete its Consumer Foods product portfolio, it offers Haas access to the resources of the global Bühler organization, especially its roughly 100 service stations and its innovation network.
“Out of a position of strength, we are entrusting the future of our company to the family-owned Bühler Group. This allows us to create the best possible conditions for successfully continuing the development of our business, for the benefit of both our customers and our employees,” said Johann Haas, member of the Supervisory Board.
“We have entertained friendly relationships with Haas for years. Together, we can generate significant added value for our customers while at the same time opening up new prospects for the employees of Haas,” added Bühler CEO Stefan Scheiber. In the context of the transaction, jobs and locations of Haas are secured.
Haas, a family-owned company, was set up in Vienna more than 100 years ago as a metalworking shop. In the middle of the last century, it began manufacturing wafer machinery. Over the following decades, Haas evolved into a global leader in the field of production systems for wafers, hard and soft biscuits, ice cream cones, cakes, and baked goods. With its global workforce of 1,750, Haas generates sales revenues of approximately €300 million and operates its own manufacturing sites in six countries.
Bühler is the market leader in the field of production equipment for chocolate mass and end products along the entire value chain. So far, Bühler has not been engaged in the promising market for wafer and biscuit production systems.
“We operate in the same markets and often serve the same customers, but there is no overlapping of our products and services,” said Bühler CEO Scheiber. Now, he continues, Bühler can offer its food customers new opportunities for diversifying.
The acquisition is subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities. The closing of the transaction is scheduled for the end of 2017. The two parties have agreed not to disclose any contract details. The company will be headed by Germar Wacker, who took charge as CEO of Haas effective Sept. 5, 2017. Wacker was in charge for the Mainline & Metros division at Bombardier.
Whereas this strategic acquisition enables Bühler to complete its Consumer Foods product portfolio, it offers Haas access to the resources of the global Bühler organization, especially its roughly 100 service stations and its innovation network.
“Out of a position of strength, we are entrusting the future of our company to the family-owned Bühler Group. This allows us to create the best possible conditions for successfully continuing the development of our business, for the benefit of both our customers and our employees,” said Johann Haas, member of the Supervisory Board.
“We have entertained friendly relationships with Haas for years. Together, we can generate significant added value for our customers while at the same time opening up new prospects for the employees of Haas,” added Bühler CEO Stefan Scheiber. In the context of the transaction, jobs and locations of Haas are secured.
Haas, a family-owned company, was set up in Vienna more than 100 years ago as a metalworking shop. In the middle of the last century, it began manufacturing wafer machinery. Over the following decades, Haas evolved into a global leader in the field of production systems for wafers, hard and soft biscuits, ice cream cones, cakes, and baked goods. With its global workforce of 1,750, Haas generates sales revenues of approximately €300 million and operates its own manufacturing sites in six countries.
Bühler is the market leader in the field of production equipment for chocolate mass and end products along the entire value chain. So far, Bühler has not been engaged in the promising market for wafer and biscuit production systems.
“We operate in the same markets and often serve the same customers, but there is no overlapping of our products and services,” said Bühler CEO Scheiber. Now, he continues, Bühler can offer its food customers new opportunities for diversifying.
The acquisition is subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities. The closing of the transaction is scheduled for the end of 2017. The two parties have agreed not to disclose any contract details. The company will be headed by Germar Wacker, who took charge as CEO of Haas effective Sept. 5, 2017. Wacker was in charge for the Mainline & Metros division at Bombardier.